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Q13 (IAS/2022) International Relations & Global Affairs › International Organisations & Groupings › Intergovernmental groupings Official Key

Consider the following countries : 1. Armenia 2. Azerbaijan 3. Croatia 4. Romania 5. Uzbekistan Which of the above are members of the Organization of Turkic States ?

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: C
Explanation

The correct answer is Option 3 (2 and 5). The Organization of Turkic States (OTS), formerly the Turkic Council, is an intergovernmental organization comprising countries with Turkic ethnic and linguistic roots.

The current member states are Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan. Hungary, Turkmenistan, and Northern Cyprus hold observer status. Analysis of the options reveals:

  • Azerbaijan (2) and Uzbekistan (5): Both are founding/full members, making Option 3 correct.
  • Armenia (1): Despite its geographical proximity, it shares a complex history with Turkic nations and is not a member.
  • Croatia (3) and Romania (4): These are Balkan/European nations. While Romania has historical links to the Ottoman Empire, neither is a member of the OTS.

Therefore, only Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan fulfill the membership criteria of the OTS among the listed countries, validating Option 3 as the only accurate choice for the UPSC examination.

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Q. Consider the following countries : 1. Armenia 2. Azerbaijan 3. Croatia 4. Romania 5. Uzbekistan Which of the above are members of the Org…
At a glance
Origin: Mostly Current Affairs Fairness: Low / Borderline fairness Books / CA: 0/10 · 4/10
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This is a 'Name Literalism' test disguised as a Current Affairs question. While the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) was in the news, you didn't need the news to solve it. You needed the static historical definition of 'Turkic' peoples versus Slavic/European peoples to eliminate the outliers (Armenia, Croatia, Romania).

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Is Armenia a member of the Organization of Turkic States?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) > p. 551
Strength: 5/5
“The EAEU was established by the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union (2014). The EAEU promotes free movement of goods, services, capital, etc. It provides common policies in transport, industry and agriculture, energy, etc. within the Union and fosters competitiveness and cooperation between the member states. Its member states include Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and the Russian Federation.”
Why relevant

Lists Armenia as a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), showing Armenia's formal participation in a regional bloc that groups it with Russia and several Central Asian states.

How to extend

A student could infer that Armenia's institutional ties to Eurasian/Russian-led organizations make membership in a separate Turkic-focused bloc less likely and check membership lists of the Organization of Turkic States.

Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science, Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Reshaping India’s Political Map > Spellings, spellings … > p. 23
Strength: 4/5
“Many of these invaders were Central Asian — Turkic or Afghan. They were drawn to India not only for her reputed riches and for territorial ambitions, but also often to spread, by force of violence if necessary, their own versions of their religion. Let us now explore in this chapter the ever-changing landscape of India from the 13th century onward. Turkic: Refers to peoples, languages, and cultures historically associated with a vast region stretching across Central Asia, all the way to Turkey and Siberia. 23Tapestry of the Past 2 – Reshaping India's Political Map”
Why relevant

Gives a concise definition of 'Turkic' as peoples/languages/cultures spanning Central Asia to Turkey, establishing what 'Turkic' membership would imply.

How to extend

A student could compare Armenia's ethnic/linguistic identity (implied non-Turkic here) with the Turkic definition to assess whether Armenia fits typical membership criteria.

History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 14: The Mughal Empire > 14.1 Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur (1526-1530) > p. 200
Strength: 4/5
“The race for political supremacy in Central Asia amongst the Uzbeks (Turkic ethnic group), the Safavids (the members of the dynasty that ruled Iran patronising Shia Islam) and the Ottomans (Turkish people practicing Sunni Babur Islam) forced Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur, the ruler of Samarkand, to seek his career prospects elsewhere. Historically, the trade conducted by countries of Central Asia through the Silk Route with India had provided the required knowledge about the country (India) they were interested in. Babur, a boy of eleven, inherited the throne of Samarkand (now a city in Uzbekistan) from his father. As there were enemies all round him, he lost his throne but soon reclaimed it.”
Why relevant

Provides examples of Turkic peoples (e.g., Uzbeks) and locates Turkic groups in Central Asia, illustrating the typical geographic/ethnic composition of Turkic groupings.

How to extend

A student could contrast Armenia's geographic and ethnolinguistic profile with those Turkic examples to judge plausibility of Armenian membership.

Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: The End of Bipolarity > Tensions and Conflicts > p. 10
Strength: 4/5
“Most of the former Soviet Republics are prone to conflicts, and many have had civil wars and insurgencies. Complicating the picture is the growing involvement of outside powers. In Russia, two republics, Chechnya and Dagestan, have had violent secessionist movements. Moscow's method of dealing with the Chechen rebels and indiscriminate military bombings have led to many human rights violations but failed to deter the aspirations for independence. In Central Asia, Tajikistan witnessed a civil war that went on for ten years till 2001. The region as a whole has many sectarian conflicts. In Azerbaijan's province of Nagorno-Karabakh, some local Armenians want to secede and join Armenia.”
Why relevant

Notes conflict between Azerbaijan (a Turkic country) and Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh, highlighting political/ethnic tensions between Armenia and a leading Turkic state.

How to extend

A student could reason that adversarial relations with a prominent Turkic member (Azerbaijan) would make Armenia's membership in a Turkic organization politically unlikely and thus check the organization's roster.

India and the Contemporary World - I. History-Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution > 2.1 The Russian Empire in 1914 > p. 30
Strength: 3/5
“In 1914, Tsar Nicholas II ruled Russia and its empire. Besides the territory around Moscow, the Russian empire included current-day Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, parts of Poland, Ukraine and Belarus. It stretched to the Pacific and comprised today's Central Asian states, as well as Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. The majority religion was Russian Orthodox Christianity – which had grown out of the Greek Orthodox Church – but the empire also included Catholics, Protestants, Muslims and Buddhists. India and the Contemporary World”
Why relevant

States that Armenia was part of the Russian Empire/Soviet space, reinforcing Armenia's historical and institutional links to Russia rather than to Turkic blocs.

How to extend

A student could use this historical alignment to hypothesize Armenia's tendency to join post-Soviet/Russia-oriented organizations and then verify membership of the Organization of Turkic States.

Statement 2
Is Azerbaijan a member of the Organization of Turkic States?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"Azerbaijan is a founding member of the Organization of Turkic States."
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states Azerbaijan's membership and founding role in the Organization.
  • Directly ties the establishment agreement to a location in Azerbaijan, reinforcing foundational membership.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"This year, Azerbaijan will host the formal Summit of the Organization of Turkic States The volume of Azerbaijan’s investments in the Member States of the Organization now exceeds a total of $20 billion."
Why this source?
  • Describes Azerbaijan hosting the Organization's formal summit, indicating active membership participation.
  • Refers to Azerbaijan's investments in the Member States of the Organization, implying it is one of the Member States.

Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science, Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Reshaping India’s Political Map > Spellings, spellings … > p. 23
Strength: 5/5
“Many of these invaders were Central Asian — Turkic or Afghan. They were drawn to India not only for her reputed riches and for territorial ambitions, but also often to spread, by force of violence if necessary, their own versions of their religion. Let us now explore in this chapter the ever-changing landscape of India from the 13th century onward. Turkic: Refers to peoples, languages, and cultures historically associated with a vast region stretching across Central Asia, all the way to Turkey and Siberia. 23Tapestry of the Past 2 – Reshaping India's Political Map”
Why relevant

Defines 'Turkic' as peoples, languages and cultures stretching across Central Asia to Turkey, establishing a category of states/peoples that could form a regional organization.

How to extend

A student could check whether Azerbaijan is a Turkic-speaking country (by map/language knowledge) and hence plausibly included in an organization of Turkic states.

Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: The End of Bipolarity > Consequences of Shock Therapy > p. 10
Strength: 4/5
“They allowed no dissent or opposition. A judicial culture and independence of the judiciary was yet to be established in most of these countries. Most of these economies, especially Russia, started reviving in 2000, ten years after their independence. The reason for the revival for most of their economies was the export of natural resources like oil, natural gas and minerals. Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are major oil and gas producers. Other countries have gained because of the oil pipelines that cross their territories for which they get rent. Some amount of manufacturing has restarted.”
Why relevant

Groups Azerbaijan with Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan — countries commonly identified with Central Asian/Turkic networks.

How to extend

A student could note Azerbaijan appears alongside other Turkic-linked states and therefore might be a participant in Turkic cooperative bodies; verify by checking membership lists.

History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 14: The Mughal Empire > 14.1 Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur (1526-1530) > p. 200
Strength: 4/5
“The race for political supremacy in Central Asia amongst the Uzbeks (Turkic ethnic group), the Safavids (the members of the dynasty that ruled Iran patronising Shia Islam) and the Ottomans (Turkish people practicing Sunni Babur Islam) forced Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur, the ruler of Samarkand, to seek his career prospects elsewhere. Historically, the trade conducted by countries of Central Asia through the Silk Route with India had provided the required knowledge about the country (India) they were interested in. Babur, a boy of eleven, inherited the throne of Samarkand (now a city in Uzbekistan) from his father. As there were enemies all round him, he lost his throne but soon reclaimed it.”
Why relevant

Explains 'Uzbeks (Turkic ethnic group)' and references Ottoman/Turkish people — gives an example of what is meant by Turkic identity across states.

How to extend

A student could use this pattern (ethnic/linguistic Turkic identity) to classify Azerbaijan and infer its likely ties to Turkic organisations.

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > SOVIET CONSTITUTION > p. 686
Strength: 3/5
“These units of the Soviet Federation were Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Lithuania, Moldova, Latvia,”
Why relevant

Lists Azerbaijan among the former Soviet Union republics, situating it geographically and politically among other post-Soviet Turkic republics.

How to extend

A student could combine this geographic/political placement with knowledge of post‑Soviet Turkic cooperation to judge whether Azerbaijan might join a Turkic states organization.

Statement analysis

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Statement 3
Is Croatia a member of the Organization of Turkic States?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Contemporary Centres of Power > TIMELINE OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION > p. 18
Strength: 5/5
“2013: Croatia becomes the 28th member of the EU. 2016: Referendum in Britain, 51.9 per cent voters decide that Britain exit (Brexit) from the EU. economic organisations such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The EU also has political and diplomatic influence. One member of the EU, France, holds permanent seat on the UN Security Council. The EU includes several nonpermanent members of the UNSC. This has enabled the EU to influence some US policies such as the current US position on Iran's nuclear programme. Its use of diplomacy, economic investments, and negotiations rather than coercion and military force has been effective as in the case of its dialogue with China on human rights and environmental degradation.”
Why relevant

Identifies Croatia as a European state (EU member since 2013), situating it in the European/Balkan political space rather than the Central Asian/Turkic sphere.

How to extend

A student could combine this with a map of Europe and the list of typical Turkic-state locations to judge whether Croatia fits the usual geographic profile of Organization of Turkic States members.

Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: The End of Bipolarity > Tensions and Conflicts > p. 11
Strength: 4/5
“But the most severe conflict took place in the Balkan republics of Yugoslavia. After 1991, it broke apart with several provinces like Croatia, Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina declaring independence. Ethnic Serbs opposed this, and a massacre of non-Serb Bosnians followed. The NATO intervention and the bombing of Yugoslavia followed the inter-ethnic civil war.”
Why relevant

Describes Croatia as one of the Balkan republics that emerged from Yugoslavia, emphasising its Slavic/Balkan identity.

How to extend

Use this ethnic/geographic identity (Slavic/Balkan) plus knowledge that 'Turkic' organisations mostly group Turkic-speaking Central Asian and Anatolian states to assess likely membership.

Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science, Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Reshaping India’s Political Map > Spellings, spellings … > p. 23
Strength: 5/5
“Many of these invaders were Central Asian — Turkic or Afghan. They were drawn to India not only for her reputed riches and for territorial ambitions, but also often to spread, by force of violence if necessary, their own versions of their religion. Let us now explore in this chapter the ever-changing landscape of India from the 13th century onward. Turkic: Refers to peoples, languages, and cultures historically associated with a vast region stretching across Central Asia, all the way to Turkey and Siberia. 23Tapestry of the Past 2 – Reshaping India's Political Map”
Why relevant

Defines 'Turkic' as referring to peoples, languages, and cultures historically associated with Central Asia and Turkey.

How to extend

A student could compare Croatia's non-Turkic cultural-linguistic profile with this definition to evaluate whether it fits the membership profile of a Turkic organisation.

Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) > p. 551
Strength: 4/5
“The EAEU was established by the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union (2014). The EAEU promotes free movement of goods, services, capital, etc. It provides common policies in transport, industry and agriculture, energy, etc. within the Union and fosters competitiveness and cooperation between the member states. Its member states include Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and the Russian Federation.”
Why relevant

Lists members of a Eurasian regional organisation (EAEU) that are Central Asian/Eurasian states (e.g., Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic), illustrating that regional organisations in that area group such states together.

How to extend

By analogy, a student can infer that organisations named for 'Turkic' states likely include Central Asian/Anatolian Turkic countries rather than a Balkan EU member like Croatia.

India and the Contemporary World – II. History-Class X . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 1: The Rise of Nationalism in Europe > 1905 > p. 8
Strength: 3/5
“Slav nationalism gathers force in the Habsburg and Ottoman Empires.”
Why relevant

Notes Slav nationalism distinct from Ottoman/Turkish spheres, reinforcing the cultural-linguistic separation between Slavic Balkan states and Turkic peoples.

How to extend

Combine this historical-cultural separation with Croatia's Slavic identity to question its fit within a Turkic-state organisation.

Statement analysis

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Statement 4
Is Romania a member of the Organization of Turkic States?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 15: The World after World War II > Warsaw Treaty Organisation > p. 248
Strength: 4/5
“When West Germany became a member of NATO, USSR saw it as a direct threat and decided to make a counter arrangement. In May 1955, a "treaty of mutual friendship, co-operation and mutual assistance" was signed by Soviet Union and seven of its European allies. It was named As the Warsaw Pact, as the treaty was signed in Warsaw, the capital of Poland. The members were Soviet Union, Albania, Poland, Romania, Hungary, East Germany, Czechoslovakia, and Bulgaria. The treaty called upon member states to come to the defence of any member if it was attacked by an outside force. A unified military command under Marshall Ivan S.”
Why relevant

Lists Romania as a member of the Warsaw Pact, placing Romania among Eastern/Central European states rather than Central Asian or Turkic countries.

How to extend

A student could use a map or basic regional facts to note Romania's geographic/cultural location in Europe and judge whether it fits the typical geography of Turkic-state membership.

Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Contemporary Centres of Power > TIMELINE OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION > p. 18
Strength: 4/5
“1990 October: Unification of Germany. 1992 February 7: The Treaty of Maastricht was signed establishing the European Union (EU). 1993 January: European Economic Community (EEC) was renamed the European Community (EC). 1995 January: Austria, Finland and Sweden join the EU. 2002 January: Euro, the new currency, was introduced in the 12 EU members. 2004 May: Ten new members, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia join the EU. 2007 January: Bulgaria and Romania join the EU. Slovenia adopts the Euro. 2009 December: The Lisbon Treaty came into force. 2012 : The EU is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.”
Why relevant

Shows Romania joined the European Union in 2007, reinforcing Romania's alignment with European institutions.

How to extend

Combine this with knowledge that the Organization of Turkic States primarily groups Turkic-speaking countries (mainly in Central Asia and Turkey) to assess Romania's likelihood of membership.

History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 14: The Mughal Empire > 14.1 Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur (1526-1530) > p. 200
Strength: 5/5
“The race for political supremacy in Central Asia amongst the Uzbeks (Turkic ethnic group), the Safavids (the members of the dynasty that ruled Iran patronising Shia Islam) and the Ottomans (Turkish people practicing Sunni Babur Islam) forced Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur, the ruler of Samarkand, to seek his career prospects elsewhere. Historically, the trade conducted by countries of Central Asia through the Silk Route with India had provided the required knowledge about the country (India) they were interested in. Babur, a boy of eleven, inherited the throne of Samarkand (now a city in Uzbekistan) from his father. As there were enemies all round him, he lost his throne but soon reclaimed it.”
Why relevant

Defines 'Turkic' as peoples and languages associated with Central Asia and Turkey, giving a conceptual boundary for what constitutes a Turkic state.

How to extend

A student can compare Romania's language/ethnicity (Romanian, a Romance language) with the Turkic-language criterion to infer membership probability.

Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) > p. 551
Strength: 4/5
“The EAEU was established by the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union (2014). The EAEU promotes free movement of goods, services, capital, etc. It provides common policies in transport, industry and agriculture, energy, etc. within the Union and fosters competitiveness and cooperation between the member states. Its member states include Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and the Russian Federation.”
Why relevant

Lists membership of a Eurasian bloc (EAEU) including Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan — examples of Central Asian states that are Turkic-speaking and commonly part of regional Turkic groupings.

How to extend

Use these examples to form an expectation that Organization of Turkic States membership will include Central Asian Turkic countries (e.g., Kazakhstan) rather than European states like Romania.

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > SOVIET CONSTITUTION > p. 686
Strength: 4/5
“These units of the Soviet Federation were Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Lithuania, Moldova, Latvia,”
Why relevant

Names several Soviet republics in Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, etc.) that are Turkic or associated with Turkic peoples, illustrating the typical membership pool for Turkic organizations.

How to extend

A student could contrast this list with a roster of European countries to rule out Romania as a typical Turkic-state member without needing direct membership lists.

Statement analysis

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Statement 5
Is Uzbekistan a member of the Organization of Turkic States?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"were later joined by Uzbekistan as a full member during the 7th Summit in Baku in October 2019."
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states Uzbekistan joined as a full member.
  • Gives when and where Uzbekistan became a member (7th Summit in Baku, October 2019).
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"Meeting of the Heads of Investment Promotion Agencies of the Turkic States was convened in Tashkent 12 June 2025 ...heads of investment promotion agencies of the Organization of Turkic States Member States within the 4th Tashkent International Investment Forum convened"
Why this source?
  • Describes Organization of Turkic States meetings held in Tashkent, indicating Uzbekistan's role as host of OTS events.
  • Refers to 'heads of ... of the Organization of Turkic States Member States' convening in Tashkent, linking Uzbekistan to OTS activities.

History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 14: The Mughal Empire > 14.1 Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur (1526-1530) > p. 200
Strength: 5/5
“The race for political supremacy in Central Asia amongst the Uzbeks (Turkic ethnic group), the Safavids (the members of the dynasty that ruled Iran patronising Shia Islam) and the Ottomans (Turkish people practicing Sunni Babur Islam) forced Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur, the ruler of Samarkand, to seek his career prospects elsewhere. Historically, the trade conducted by countries of Central Asia through the Silk Route with India had provided the required knowledge about the country (India) they were interested in. Babur, a boy of eleven, inherited the throne of Samarkand (now a city in Uzbekistan) from his father. As there were enemies all round him, he lost his throne but soon reclaimed it.”
Why relevant

Identifies Uzbeks as a Turkic ethnic group and locates Samarkand in modern-day Uzbekistan, linking the country to Turkic peoples.

How to extend

A student could use this to reason that organisations named for 'Turkic' likely include countries with Turkic peoples such as Uzbekistan and then check an authoritative member list or map.

Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science, Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Reshaping India’s Political Map > Spellings, spellings … > p. 23
Strength: 4/5
“Many of these invaders were Central Asian — Turkic or Afghan. They were drawn to India not only for her reputed riches and for territorial ambitions, but also often to spread, by force of violence if necessary, their own versions of their religion. Let us now explore in this chapter the ever-changing landscape of India from the 13th century onward. Turkic: Refers to peoples, languages, and cultures historically associated with a vast region stretching across Central Asia, all the way to Turkey and Siberia. 23Tapestry of the Past 2 – Reshaping India's Political Map”
Why relevant

Gives a general definition: 'Turkic' refers to peoples, languages and cultures across Central Asia to Turkey, establishing a category of states that might form a Turkic organisation.

How to extend

One could apply this rule to classify Uzbekistan as 'Turkic' (being in Central Asia) and then compare that classification with the Organisation of Turkic States' membership.

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > SOVIET CONSTITUTION > p. 686
Strength: 4/5
“These units of the Soviet Federation were Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Lithuania, Moldova, Latvia,”
Why relevant

Lists Uzbekistan among the Soviet Union's union republics, confirming it is a distinct country/entity in Central Asia (i.e., a state that could join international organisations).

How to extend

Knowing Uzbekistan is a sovereign Central Asian state, a student could reasonably check whether sovereign Central Asian Turkic states are members of the Organisation of Turkic States.

Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: The End of Bipolarity > Disintegration > p. 3
Strength: 3/5
“The Central Asian republics did not ask for independence and wanted to remain with the Soviet Federation. In December 1991, under the leadership of Yeltsin, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, three major republics of the USSR, declared that the Soviet Union was disbanded. The Communist Party of the Soviet Union was banned. Capitalism and democracy were adopted as the bases for the post-Soviet republics.”
Why relevant

Notes the Central Asian republics as a regional group emerging after the USSR's disintegration, implying a set of post‑Soviet Central Asian states that could participate in regional organisations.

How to extend

A student could use this to narrow candidate members of a Turkic organisation to those Central Asian successor states (including Uzbekistan) and then verify membership.

Statement analysis

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Pattern takeaway: UPSC is shifting from standard economic blocs (G20, WTO) to 'Civilizational/Identity' groupings. If a group is defined by an ethno-linguistic marker, the membership is strictly limited to that demographic.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Logical Trap. It looks like a rote-learning question, but it is actually a 'Common Sense' Geography/History test solvable by elimination.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: International Groupings based on Ethnicity/Identity (Pan-Turkism) vs. Economic Blocs (EU, ASEAN).
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 'Identity Clusters': 1. OTS Members: Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan. 2. OTS Observers: Hungary, Turkmenistan, TRNC. 3. Contrast with CSTO (Russia-led security) and EAEU (Russia-led economic) where Armenia IS a member.
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: When you see a grouping based on 'Culture/Language' (like Turkic, Arab League, Francophonie), apply the 'Cultural Filter'. Ask: Does Croatia speak a Turkic language? No. Is Armenia (historically at war with Turkic Azerbaijan) likely to join a Turkic brotherhood? No.
How to study

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Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) membership
💡 The insight

Armenia is identified as a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, which is a key regional organisation relevant when assessing Armenia's international alignments.

Knowing major regional organisations and member lists is high-yield for UPSC questions on foreign policy and regional blocs. This concept connects to questions on economic integration, geopolitical orientation, and contrasts with other regional groups (e.g., Turkic bodies). It enables quick elimination in MCQs and sound justification in mains answers about regional alignments.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) > p. 551
🔗 Anchor: "Is Armenia a member of the Organization of Turkic States?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Turkic peoples and identity
💡 The insight

The Organization of Turkic States is founded on shared Turkic identity and history tied to Turkic peoples.

Understanding who constitutes Turkic peoples helps distinguish which states are natural members of Turkic organisations versus those aligned by other factors. This is useful for polity/IR questions on ethnic/linguistic groupings, regional diplomacy, and cultural blocs, allowing candidates to reason about likely memberships and alliances.

📚 Reading List :
  • History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 14: The Mughal Empire > 14.1 Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur (1526-1530) > p. 200
  • Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science, Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Reshaping India’s Political Map > Spellings, spellings … > p. 23
🔗 Anchor: "Is Armenia a member of the Organization of Turkic States?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Post‑Soviet state groupings and succession
💡 The insight

Armenia is a former Soviet republic and its post‑Soviet regional choices (CIS, EAEU, etc.) shape its membership profile in other organisations.

Mastering the dynamics of post‑Soviet alignments is essential for questions on Eurasian geopolitics, continuity of institutions, and regional security issues. This concept links history, international relations, and current affairs and helps answer questions comparing memberships across different regional organisations.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > SOVIET CONSTITUTION > p. 687
  • Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: The End of Bipolarity > LEADERS OF THE SOVIET UNION > p. 4
🔗 Anchor: "Is Armenia a member of the Organization of Turkic States?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Turkic peoples and languages
💡 The insight

Turkic denotes a broad group of peoples, languages and cultures stretching from Turkey across Central Asia—this identity underpins organizations built on Turkic ties.

High-yield for UPSC as ethno-linguistic identity explains formation and membership of regional bodies; connects to culture, diplomacy and foreign policy questions about regional groupings and alliances.

📚 Reading List :
  • Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science, Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Reshaping India’s Political Map > Spellings, spellings … > p. 23
🔗 Anchor: "Is Azerbaijan a member of the Organization of Turkic States?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Post‑Soviet republics and state continuity
💡 The insight

Azerbaijan was one of the union republics of the USSR and its post‑Soviet status informs its subsequent regional affiliations and memberships.

Crucial for UPSC to trace how the USSR's disintegration created independent states whose institutional choices (CIS, regional councils, bilateral ties) are shaped by Soviet legacy; links history, international relations and geopolitics.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > SOVIET CONSTITUTION > p. 686
  • Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: The End of Bipolarity > Disintegration > p. 3
🔗 Anchor: "Is Azerbaijan a member of the Organization of Turkic States?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Energy resources as drivers of regional cooperation
💡 The insight

Azerbaijan is a major oil and gas producer, and energy exports and pipeline geography influence its regional partnerships and strategic alignments.

Frequently tested: energy endowments explain transit agreements, rents, and geopolitical alignments; connects economics, infrastructure (pipelines), and foreign policy dimensions relevant to membership of regional organisations.

📚 Reading List :
  • Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: The End of Bipolarity > Consequences of Shock Therapy > p. 10
🔗 Anchor: "Is Azerbaijan a member of the Organization of Turkic States?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 EU membership vs regional/ethnic organisations
💡 The insight

Croatia is a member of the European Union, which is a regional political-economic bloc distinct from organisations formed around ethnic or linguistic identity.

High-yield for UPSC: many questions ask which countries belong to which international bodies. Knowing the nature and membership basis of major blocs (political-economic vs. ethnic-linguistic) helps eliminate incorrect options and frame comparative answers. Connects international relations, geopolitics, and contemporary history topics.

📚 Reading List :
  • Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Contemporary Centres of Power > TIMELINE OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION > p. 18
🔗 Anchor: "Is Croatia a member of the Organization of Turkic States?"
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🌑 The Hidden Trap

Hungary is an Observer State in the OTS. This is the 'Next Logical Question' because Hungary is an EU member but claims ancestral ties to the Huns (Turkic roots), making it the confusing outlier UPSC loves to test.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

The 'Enemy Logic' Hack: Armenia and Azerbaijan have had a decades-long frozen conflict (Nagorno-Karabakh). It is geopolitically impossible for Armenia to be a member of an organization explicitly built on 'Turkic' identity, which Azerbaijan champions. Eliminating Armenia (1) removes Options A and B immediately. Knowing Croatia is Slavic/European removes D. Answer C is the only survivor.

🔗 Mains Connection

Connect this to Mains IR (GS-2): The rise of the OTS signifies 'Pan-Turkism' as a soft-power challenger to Russian influence (CSTO/EAEU) and Chinese influence (SCO) in Central Asia. It represents the diversification of Central Asian foreign policy.

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

IAS · 2002 · Q120 Relevance score: 4.20

Consider the following countries: 1. Albaina 2. Bosnia Herzegovina 3. Croatia 4. Macedonia Which of these countries has/have Adriatic Sea as a boundary?

IAS · 2023 · Q61 Relevance score: 3.67

Consider the following countries : 1. Bulgaria 2. Czech Republic 3. Hungary 4. Latvia 5. Lithuania 6. Romania How many of the above-mentioned countries share a land border with Ukraine?

IAS · 2009 · Q46 Relevance score: 3.54

Consider the following countries : 1. Switzerland 2. Malta 3. Bulgaria Which of the above are members of European Union?

IAS · 2014 · Q35 Relevance score: 3.17

Consider the following countries : 1. Denmark 2. Japan 3. Russian Federation 4. United Kingdom 5. United States of America Which of the above are the members of the 'Arctic Council'?